Washington DC & The Southern USA

YOUR COMPLETE TAILORED HOLIDAY INCLUDES:

Explore the South & the Capital.

A wonderful combination of history, scenery, cultures and lifestyles this is a tour that takes you back to the very beginnings of the nation, from colonial times and the revolution, through the Civil War years, right up to 21st century and the latest in cutting edge developments.

DISCOVER THE SOUTH & THE CAPITAL YOUR WAY.

Take it as you see it or change it to suit. All C.N.A. holidays can be tailored to suit your own tastes & budget.

All our holidays offer complete financial protection and you will receive a uniquely personalised travelling pack to ensure you get the most from your adventure.

Day 1, 2 & 3Washington Arrival

Welcome to America’s capital! There are many great neighbourhoods in this very cosmopolitan city, yet the key museums and historic buildings are concentrated around the US Capitol Building and the National Mall, which is lined with Smithsonian museums.

You can’t help but be inspired and even awed on your first visit to Washington, DC. It’s like no other place in the world. Created in a swamp where frogs originally outnumbered residents, the city has gradually emerged as an impressive monument to America’s continuity. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and architect Pierre L’Enfant, Jefferson’s French friend, laid out the original city, which has kept pace with the fortunes of the country it governs. Buildings consciously designed to appear monumental have been preserved and renovated, and where applicable, integrated with new architecture. The massive fabric of monuments and museums peacefully coexists with a bustling, dynamic metropolitan area with world-class entertainment, unique restaurants, and a dynamic arts and cultural community.

A good way to get to know the city is to begin at the US Capitol Complex, which includes the Capitol Building, House and Senate Buildings and the US Botanical Gardens. Standing on the Capitol steps looking west, the expansive two-mile National Mall between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial, stretches out before you, lined with monuments and museums. The Washington Monument stands in the centre, while the cross axis of the Mall is anchored by the White House on one end and the Jefferson Memorial on the other. You’ll find a number of the wonderful Smithsonian Museums along the Mall, as well as throughout the city.

The list of museums to choose from is extensive: The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of African Art, National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of the American Indian and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum are all on or near the Mall.
Memorials on or near the Mall include the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, National World War II Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, United States Navy Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial..

3 nights – Washington DC

Day 4Washington DC to Fredericksburg to Williamsburg
173 miles

South this morning and sixteen miles from Washington perhaps make a visit to Mount Vernon, the estate and burial place of George Washington. The mansion and museum contain much of the original furniture, and displays include the bed in which Washington died, his sword and the keys to the Bastille, presented to him by the Marquis de Lafayette.

Continue south to Fredericksburg, a town steeped in the history of the Revolution and the Civil War. The Rising Sun Tavern where patriots gathered with Washington and Thomas Jefferson offers a fascinating glimpse of 18th century life while during the Civil War Fredericksburg became a virtual armed camp as the most monumental battles between North and South took place here. The Battle of Fredericksburg (December 1862) would result in a stunning defeat for the Union. Confederate Robert E. Lee suffered roughly 5,000 casualties but inflicted nearly 13,000 on his opponent, General Ambrose Burnside. At the Battle of Chancellorsville (May 1863), 11 miles away, a series of controversial events defined this crucial battle, including General Robert E. Lee’s radical decision to divide his small army – a violation of basic military rules – sending Stonewall Jackson on his famous march around the Union army flank. Jackson was mortally wounded, but this was considered one of Lee’s greatest victories. Depending on your inclination both battlefields can be visited and at each site the visitor centers are happy to offer advice.

In the afternoon arrive in Colonial Williamsburg, the most extensively restored 18th century town in the US. So compelling is the restoration that you feel that you are in a crown colony over 300 years ago.

Overnight – Williamsburg

Day 5Williamsburg

Recreating the elegance and hospitality of early America the historic area of Colonial Williamsburg encompasses 173 acres and within this portion of the city or its immediate surroundings are 88 original 18th or early 19th century houses, shops, taverns, public houses and dependencies. Approximately 90 acres of gardens and public greens provide an authentic setting for the restored 18th century capitol. Major buildings such as the Governor’s Palace, the Capitol, the Old Jail & Magazine, taverns and craft shops also offer the opportunity to relive the times of Colonial America. Visitors dine in authentic taverns featuring foods of George Washington’s time, participate in musters of colonial militia and fife and drum corps, watch craftsmen ply their colonial trades and ride in horse drawn carriages.

Overnight – Williamsburg

Day 6Williamsburg to Richmond to Charlottesville
121 miles

This morning drive for one hour to Richmond, formerly the Capitol of the Confederacy, and one of the most handsome capitals in the south. Old waterfront warehouses have been restored into trendy shops and at historic Shockoe Slip, the renovated tobacco warehouse district, you can enjoy strolling cobblestone streets to browse the unique shops and restaurants. Visit the Museum & White House of the Confederacy, the Edgar Allen Poe Museum, drive along Monument Avenue, with its statues, and see Maymont, a lovely plantation-style home and gardens

Another one hour drive takes you to historic Charlottesville, in the foothills of the Blue Mountains and once home to American statesman Thomas Jefferson. Today Charlottesville is a lovely college town that still retains the 18th century charm of old homes and the gentle south.

Don’t miss a visit to Monticello, one of the loveliest and most impressive American estates and home of Thomas Jefferson from 1770 until his death in 1826. Jefferson inherited quite a large amount of land from his father and started building Monticello when he was twenty-six years old. The plantation was originally 5,000 acres, with extensive cultivation of tobacco and mixed crops, and the house, which Jefferson designed, was based on the neoclassical principles of the Italian Renaissance. He reworked it through much of his presidency and the plantation at full operations included quarters for domestic slaves along Mulberry Row near the house, gardens for flowers, produce and Jefferson’s experiments in plant breeding. It has been designated a National Historic Landmark and in 1987 Monticello and the nearby University of Virginia, also designed by Jefferson, were together designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Overnight – Charlottesville

Day 7Charlottesville to Blue Ridge Parkway to Roanoke
150 miles

The Blue Ridge Parkway is literally the ‘Backbone’ of a great scenic mountain region embracing the southern (And highest) portion of the Appalachian mountain range, an area of approximately 20,000 square miles. Opening up vast mountain areas for the benefit and enjoyment of all, the Parkway forms a broad avenue of approach and at the same time a high balcony from which to view the natural wonders and cultural significance of this mountain region. This great 469-mile scenic Parkway follows closely the highest ridges between the Shenandoah and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, attaining altitudes of more than 6,000 feet and averaging between 3,000 and 4,000 feet. It is designed especially for leisurely enjoyment of the scenic wonders along the wayóa high road of adventure intended for leisure travel on the ride-awhile, stop-awhile basis. The numerous overlooks provide parking areas from which to enjoy some of America’s finest scenic views and a highlight is a visit to Natural Bridge just six miles off the Parkway. It’s a site sacred to Native Americans and Thomas Jefferson considered it the most sublime of nature’s works. We break our Blue Ridge journey with an overnight in Roanoke, often called the Star City of the South, an important hub of trails and roads in colonial times and still the commercial and cultural centre of West Virginia.

Overnight – Roanoke

Day 8 & 9Roanoke to Blue Ridge Parkway to Asheville
250 miles

Another day to enjoy the scenic wonders of the Parkway passing Blowing Rock where an unusual rock formation above the Johns River gorge affords magnificent views and where wind currents from below cause light objects to float upwards into the sky.

Our destination for the next two nights is Asheville in North Carolina, a. charming town nestled amongst the Blue Ridge Mountains and also the ideal base for exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, once part of the homeland of the Cherokee tribe and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Spend a day exploring the ‘Smokies’ with beautiful panoramas and scenic drives. The Great Smoky Mountains are the most massive uplifts in the East and one of the oldest land areas on earth, the blue, smoke-like haze hanging over the peaks giving the region its name. Among the highlights is Chimney Rock Park where by a 26 story elevator inside the mountain you can reach the top of the peak for a spectacular view.

2 nights – Asheville

Day 10 & 11Asheville to Charleston
268 miles

Today a complete change of scene as we head to coastal Charleston, en-route passing Columbia, capital of South Carolina, home to the University of South Carolina and a city of wide avenues and historic sites.

Charleston is one of the country’s most delightful towns, the cradle of Southern gentility with miles of restored historic structures and renowned for its fancy wrought-iron work and splendid antebellum architecture. To fully understand and appreciate all of the history and beauty of the city we highly recommend joining one of the many narrated coach or trolley tours. If shopping is one of your passions visit Charleston Market which features an amazing variety of quaint shops and open-air vendors. You’ll discover an enticing selection of gifts, handcrafted items and merchandise unique to the Charleston area.

For a complete plantation experience stroll through the gorgeous flora and fauna at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens on Route 4, Highway 61 just 13 miles from the city centre. Another popular trip is a boat cruise through Charleston Harbor to Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.

2 nights – Charleston

Day 12 & 13Charleston to Savannah
108 miles

Travel this morning to beautiful Beaufort, SC, a city of rich history, Southern hospitality and casual seaside charm. Known as the ‘Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands’ Beaufort was discovered by the Spanish in 1514 and chartered by the British in 1711. Beaufort was also discovered by Hollywood and three of the most popular and celebrated films in Hollywood history were filmed in and around the town: ‘The Big Chill’ (1983), ‘The Prince of Tides’ (1989), and ‘Forrest Gump’ (2001). A trip to Beaufort is like a step back in time and we recommend a 50 minute narrated horse drawn carriage ride through the narrow streets of the historic district with its magnificent antebellum houses; be drawn in by the history, culture and elegance of this beautiful city by the sea.

An hour drive from Beaufort we come to the glittering jewel of the southeast coast, romantic Savannah. Regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Savannah has long been a beacon of civility, taste, and beauty along the meandering Georgia coastline. Founded in 1733 as England’s last colony by General James Oglethorpe the town was planned to centre on public squares and thanks to the efforts of Historic Foundation 20 of these remain, bordered by handsome town houses landscaped with live oaks, azaleas, fountains and statues.

Cotton made Savannah prosperous and the city became a vital port when in 1754 the first ships were loaded with cotton to make their way across the ocean to England. Explore the restored waterfront where many old buildings have survived and been restored, including the Pirates House (1754), an old seaman’s inn mentioned in Stevenson’s Treasure Island. Savannah was once a favourite haunt of marauding bands of pirates as they pillaged the eastern coast of America and the Pirates House (Now a popular restaurant) is reputed to have a tunnel that leads to the Savannah River through which pirates ‘shanghaied’ drunken sailors onto their ships. In more recent times Savannah has become renowned as the location for the atmospheric book and film ‘Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil’ and you can see the Mercer House where the real life story of Billy Hansen’s murder played out and where the Hollywood movie was primarily filmed

Overnight – Savannah

Day 14Savannah to Atlanta
249 miles

You can almost hear the music as you arrive in the attractive city of Macon home to Little Richard, Otis Redding, and the Allman Brothers, This is where James Brown recorded his first smash, the epoch-making “Please, Please, Please,” in an unlikely-looking mansion at 830 Mulberry St. There’s a bronze statue of Otis beside the Otis Redding Memorial Bridge and the lives of these great artists are celebrated in the Georgia Music Hall of Fame where Georgia musicians are recalled by displays including a gospel chapel, a rock’n’roll soda shop, and a country cafe. Macon is 2.5 hours drive from Savannah and perhaps have lunch here before driving a further 1.5 hours to Atlanta, the capital of the Peach Tree State

Famous for its links with Margaret Mitchell’s classic Gone With the Wind, Atlanta rose from the ashes of the Civil War to become a commercial and financial giant of the Southeast. Host to the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games the city is also the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr and his birthplace along with the Ebenezer Baptist Church can be seen in the Sweet Auburn Historic District. Jimi Hendrix, Bobby Brown and Elton John have all called this sophisticated contemporary city home and highlights include the Carter Presidential Centre, the World of Coca Cola Pavilion and the CNN Centre, home of the largest TV network where a behind the scenes tour gives insight into the complexity of production required to put on a good show.

Have a great evening in the city known as ‘The Big Peach’ as you choose from the abundance of superb restaurants and take in some of the many jazz bars. Underground Atlanta sizzles at night or a short ca
b ride can get you to Blind Willies Bar for the best in blues, booze and Cajun food

Overnight – Atlanta

Day 15Depart Atlanta

Squeeze in a little last minute shopping and pick up some bargains in Buckhead before you head for the airport for your afternoon flight home. We are confident you will take to the skies looking back on a rich and fulfilling visit to some timeless cities, and areas of stunning natural beauty.

Note: ‘From’ prices are per person based on 2 people sharing one room travelling in low season and are subject to availability. Click the ‘Book It’ tab above or call us today on 0115 9610590 for an instant price based on your specific travel dates / travel party requirements

Your holiday includes

Exclusive travel documentation portfolio including personalised maps, itinerary and driver directions along with all applicable tickets and vouchers

Travel Insurance

This is essential and not included. Should you need to purchase cover, we offer comprehensive cover at an additional cost. Please contact us for details.

Additional Experiences

Our holidays are completely tailored to suit you. We would be happy to help you choose from a vast array of additional experiences that will enhance your North America holiday adventure.

These might include:

City tours

Helicopter flights

Sporting event tickets

Golf

Hiking

Rafting

Horseback riding

Restaurant reservations

There are many more, often quite unique to your chosen destination so please do ask.

Personalised Documentation

We prepare every travel pack individually. We want this to be the perfect travelling companion for your adventure and to offer you all the information you need. Your personally prepared ring-bound travel itinerary booklet is detailed and is designed to serve as a wonderful reminder of your experiences for years to come when you return.

PRICES FROM £2299

Wondorous West Virginia

PRICES FROM £2696

Just an hour’s drive from the political heartbeat of Washington, you will find those country roads weaving through mountain backdrops laced with waterfalls, rivers and streams, hidden caverns, covered bridges and more.

Historic Eastern Highlights

PRICES FROM £2499

Packed with famous sights, free attractions and some of the best known museums and galleries in the world – this is the perfect trip for an amazing, in depth look into the historic region of Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington DC.

In most circumstances, no visa is required for travel to the USA for any British Citizen passport holder and many other European passport holders, whose countries qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This program permits entry for up to 90 days for business or leisure purposes. Everyone must apply to use the VWP via the online Electronic System of Travel Authorization (ESTA). Advice states this should be done online at least 72 hours prior to departure. On payment of the $14 fee this system usually issues an electronic confirmation within minutes but this is not guaranteed and there are certain criteria travellers must consider before applying via ESTA to use the Visa Waiver Program. Once granted the VWP authorization is valid for 2 years.

It is essential that everyone who plans to travel to the United States reads the information contained on the following page – Visa Waiver Program

Please note : From 21st January 2016 The United States implemented changes to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) as part of the Terrorist Travel Protection Act of 2015. One of the major changes implemented in January excludes any British National who has travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen since March 01st 2011 from using the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Full details are contained on the above link but those affected will need to apply for a Visitor Visa with the U.S. Embassy before booking their travel arrangements.

You are advised to complete your ESTA prior to confirming any travel arrangements.

Complete North America Limited cannot be held responsible for cancellation charges incurred by travellers who have booked travel and are subsequently unable to travel as part of the VWP or who are unable to obtain a Visitor Visa. If you have any questions after reading the information supplied above please speak to a member of our team.

Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?

British Nationals and travellers from other European countries can enjoy visa-exempt travel to and via Canada but must first use the online Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) at a cost of CA$7.00 per person. Most online applications are approved with minutes by email but the process can take longer particularly if supporting documentation is requested. An eTA is valid for 5 years and allows you to travel for up to 6 months on any one visit.

You are advised to apply for your eTA prior to confirming any travel arrangements.

Complete North America Limited cannot be held responsible for cancellation charges incurred by travellers who have booked travel and are subsequently unable to travel as part of the eTA scheme or who are unable to obtain a Visitor Visa. If you have any questions after reading the information supplied above please speak to a member of our team.

Our holidays are too personalised and hand-crafted to book online. Please call during our office hours or provide us with some information below and we will get right on it so we can help you discover your next adventure.

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Strikingly contrasted with some of the east coast’s finest mountain scenery, the music and gentility of the southern states and memories of Martin Luther King Jr., this is a journey that will live long in your memory.

Day 1, 2 & 3Washington Arrival

Welcome to America’s capital! There are many great neighbourhoods in this very cosmopolitan city, yet the key museums and historic buildings are concentrated around the US Capitol Building and the National Mall, which is lined with Smithsonian museums.

You can’t help but be inspired and even awed on your first visit to Washington, DC. It’s like no other place in the world. Created in a swamp where frogs originally outnumbered residents, the city has gradually emerged as an impressive monument to America’s continuity. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and architect Pierre L’Enfant, Jefferson’s French friend, laid out the original city, which has kept pace with the fortunes of the country it governs. Buildings consciously designed to appear monumental have been preserved and renovated, and where applicable, integrated with new architecture. The massive fabric of monuments and museums peacefully coexists with a bustling, dynamic metropolitan area with world-class entertainment, unique restaurants, and a dynamic arts and cultural community.

A good way to get to know the city is to begin at the US Capitol Complex, which includes the Capitol Building, House and Senate Buildings and the US Botanical Gardens. Standing on the Capitol steps looking west, the expansive two-mile National Mall between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial, stretches out before you, lined with monuments and museums. The Washington Monument stands in the centre, while the cross axis of the Mall is anchored by the White House on one end and the Jefferson Memorial on the other. You’ll find a number of the wonderful Smithsonian Museums along the Mall, as well as throughout the city.

The list of museums to choose from is extensive: The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of African Art, National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of the American Indian and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum are all on or near the Mall.
Memorials on or near the Mall include the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, National World War II Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, United States Navy Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial..

3 nights – Washington DC

Day 4Washington DC to Fredericksburg to Williamsburg
173 miles

South this morning and sixteen miles from Washington perhaps make a visit to Mount Vernon, the estate and burial place of George Washington. The mansion and museum contain much of the original furniture, and displays include the bed in which Washington died, his sword and the keys to the Bastille, presented to him by the Marquis de Lafayette.

Continue south to Fredericksburg, a town steeped in the history of the Revolution and the Civil War. The Rising Sun Tavern where patriots gathered with Washington and Thomas Jefferson offers a fascinating glimpse of 18th century life while during the Civil War Fredericksburg became a virtual armed camp as the most monumental battles between North and South took place here. The Battle of Fredericksburg (December 1862) would result in a stunning defeat for the Union. Confederate Robert E. Lee suffered roughly 5,000 casualties but inflicted nearly 13,000 on his opponent, General Ambrose Burnside. At the Battle of Chancellorsville (May 1863), 11 miles away, a series of controversial events defined this crucial battle, including General Robert E. Lee’s radical decision to divide his small army – a violation of basic military rules – sending Stonewall Jackson on his famous march around the Union army flank. Jackson was mortally wounded, but this was considered one of Lee’s greatest victories. Depending on your inclination both battlefields can be visited and at each site the visitor centers are happy to offer advice.

In the afternoon arrive in Colonial Williamsburg, the most extensively restored 18th century town in the US. So compelling is the restoration that you feel that you are in a crown colony over 300 years ago.

Overnight – Williamsburg

Day 5Williamsburg

Recreating the elegance and hospitality of early America the historic area of Colonial Williamsburg encompasses 173 acres and within this portion of the city or its immediate surroundings are 88 original 18th or early 19th century houses, shops, taverns, public houses and dependencies. Approximately 90 acres of gardens and public greens provide an authentic setting for the restored 18th century capitol. Major buildings such as the Governor’s Palace, the Capitol, the Old Jail & Magazine, taverns and craft shops also offer the opportunity to relive the times of Colonial America. Visitors dine in authentic taverns featuring foods of George Washington’s time, participate in musters of colonial militia and fife and drum corps, watch craftsmen ply their colonial trades and ride in horse drawn carriages.

Overnight – Williamsburg

Day 6Williamsburg to Richmond to Charlottesville
121 miles

This morning drive for one hour to Richmond, formerly the Capitol of the Confederacy, and one of the most handsome capitals in the south. Old waterfront warehouses have been restored into trendy shops and at historic Shockoe Slip, the renovated tobacco warehouse district, you can enjoy strolling cobblestone streets to browse the unique shops and restaurants. Visit the Museum & White House of the Confederacy, the Edgar Allen Poe Museum, drive along Monument Avenue, with its statues, and see Maymont, a lovely plantation-style home and gardens

Another one hour drive takes you to historic Charlottesville, in the foothills of the Blue Mountains and once home to American statesman Thomas Jefferson. Today Charlottesville is a lovely college town that still retains the 18th century charm of old homes and the gentle south.

Don’t miss a visit to Monticello, one of the loveliest and most impressive American estates and home of Thomas Jefferson from 1770 until his death in 1826. Jefferson inherited quite a large amount of land from his father and started building Monticello when he was twenty-six years old. The plantation was originally 5,000 acres, with extensive cultivation of tobacco and mixed crops, and the house, which Jefferson designed, was based on the neoclassical principles of the Italian Renaissance. He reworked it through much of his presidency and the plantation at full operations included quarters for domestic slaves along Mulberry Row near the house, gardens for flowers, produce and Jefferson’s experiments in plant breeding. It has been designated a National Historic Landmark and in 1987 Monticello and the nearby University of Virginia, also designed by Jefferson, were together designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Overnight – Charlottesville

Day 7Charlottesville to Blue Ridge Parkway to Roanoke
150 miles

The Blue Ridge Parkway is literally the ‘Backbone’ of a great scenic mountain region embracing the southern (And highest) portion of the Appalachian mountain range, an area of approximately 20,000 square miles. Opening up vast mountain areas for the benefit and enjoyment of all, the Parkway forms a broad avenue of approach and at the same time a high balcony from which to view the natural wonders and cultural significance of this mountain region. This great 469-mile scenic Parkway follows closely the highest ridges between the Shenandoah and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, attaining altitudes of more than 6,000 feet and averaging between 3,000 and 4,000 feet. It is designed especially for leisurely enjoyment of the scenic wonders along the wayóa high road of adventure intended for leisure travel on the ride-awhile, stop-awhile basis. The numerous overlooks provide parking areas from which to enjoy some of America’s finest scenic views and a highlight is a visit to Natural Bridge just six miles off the Parkway. It’s a site sacred to Native Americans and Thomas Jefferson considered it the most sublime of nature’s works. We break our Blue Ridge journey with an overnight in Roanoke, often called the Star City of the South, an important hub of trails and roads in colonial times and still the commercial and cultural centre of West Virginia.

Overnight – Roanoke

Day 8 & 9Roanoke to Blue Ridge Parkway to Asheville
250 miles

Another day to enjoy the scenic wonders of the Parkway passing Blowing Rock where an unusual rock formation above the Johns River gorge affords magnificent views and where wind currents from below cause light objects to float upwards into the sky.

Our destination for the next two nights is Asheville in North Carolina, a. charming town nestled amongst the Blue Ridge Mountains and also the ideal base for exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, once part of the homeland of the Cherokee tribe and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Spend a day exploring the ‘Smokies’ with beautiful panoramas and scenic drives. The Great Smoky Mountains are the most massive uplifts in the East and one of the oldest land areas on earth, the blue, smoke-like haze hanging over the peaks giving the region its name. Among the highlights is Chimney Rock Park where by a 26 story elevator inside the mountain you can reach the top of the peak for a spectacular view.

2 nights – Asheville

Day 10 & 11Asheville to Charleston
268 miles

Today a complete change of scene as we head to coastal Charleston, en-route passing Columbia, capital of South Carolina, home to the University of South Carolina and a city of wide avenues and historic sites.

Charleston is one of the country’s most delightful towns, the cradle of Southern gentility with miles of restored historic structures and renowned for its fancy wrought-iron work and splendid antebellum architecture. To fully understand and appreciate all of the history and beauty of the city we highly recommend joining one of the many narrated coach or trolley tours. If shopping is one of your passions visit Charleston Market which features an amazing variety of quaint shops and open-air vendors. You’ll discover an enticing selection of gifts, handcrafted items and merchandise unique to the Charleston area.

For a complete plantation experience stroll through the gorgeous flora and fauna at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens on Route 4, Highway 61 just 13 miles from the city centre. Another popular trip is a boat cruise through Charleston Harbor to Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.

2 nights – Charleston

Day 12 & 13Charleston to Savannah
108 miles

Travel this morning to beautiful Beaufort, SC, a city of rich history, Southern hospitality and casual seaside charm. Known as the ‘Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands’ Beaufort was discovered by the Spanish in 1514 and chartered by the British in 1711. Beaufort was also discovered by Hollywood and three of the most popular and celebrated films in Hollywood history were filmed in and around the town: ‘The Big Chill’ (1983), ‘The Prince of Tides’ (1989), and ‘Forrest Gump’ (2001). A trip to Beaufort is like a step back in time and we recommend a 50 minute narrated horse drawn carriage ride through the narrow streets of the historic district with its magnificent antebellum houses; be drawn in by the history, culture and elegance of this beautiful city by the sea.

An hour drive from Beaufort we come to the glittering jewel of the southeast coast, romantic Savannah. Regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Savannah has long been a beacon of civility, taste, and beauty along the meandering Georgia coastline. Founded in 1733 as England’s last colony by General James Oglethorpe the town was planned to centre on public squares and thanks to the efforts of Historic Foundation 20 of these remain, bordered by handsome town houses landscaped with live oaks, azaleas, fountains and statues.

Cotton made Savannah prosperous and the city became a vital port when in 1754 the first ships were loaded with cotton to make their way across the ocean to England. Explore the restored waterfront where many old buildings have survived and been restored, including the Pirates House (1754), an old seaman’s inn mentioned in Stevenson’s Treasure Island. Savannah was once a favourite haunt of marauding bands of pirates as they pillaged the eastern coast of America and the Pirates House (Now a popular restaurant) is reputed to have a tunnel that leads to the Savannah River through which pirates ‘shanghaied’ drunken sailors onto their ships. In more recent times Savannah has become renowned as the location for the atmospheric book and film ‘Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil’ and you can see the Mercer House where the real life story of Billy Hansen’s murder played out and where the Hollywood movie was primarily filmed

Overnight – Savannah

Day 14Savannah to Atlanta
249 miles

You can almost hear the music as you arrive in the attractive city of Macon home to Little Richard, Otis Redding, and the Allman Brothers, This is where James Brown recorded his first smash, the epoch-making “Please, Please, Please,” in an unlikely-looking mansion at 830 Mulberry St. There’s a bronze statue of Otis beside the Otis Redding Memorial Bridge and the lives of these great artists are celebrated in the Georgia Music Hall of Fame where Georgia musicians are recalled by displays including a gospel chapel, a rock’n’roll soda shop, and a country cafe. Macon is 2.5 hours drive from Savannah and perhaps have lunch here before driving a further 1.5 hours to Atlanta, the capital of the Peach Tree State

Famous for its links with Margaret Mitchell’s classic Gone With the Wind, Atlanta rose from the ashes of the Civil War to become a commercial and financial giant of the Southeast. Host to the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games the city is also the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr and his birthplace along with the Ebenezer Baptist Church can be seen in the Sweet Auburn Historic District. Jimi Hendrix, Bobby Brown and Elton John have all called this sophisticated contemporary city home and highlights include the Carter Presidential Centre, the World of Coca Cola Pavilion and the CNN Centre, home of the largest TV network where a behind the scenes tour gives insight into the complexity of production required to put on a good show.

Have a great evening in the city known as ‘The Big Peach’ as you choose from the abundance of superb restaurants and take in some of the many jazz bars. Underground Atlanta sizzles at night or a short ca
b ride can get you to Blind Willies Bar for the best in blues, booze and Cajun food

Overnight – Atlanta

Day 15Depart Atlanta

Squeeze in a little last minute shopping and pick up some bargains in Buckhead before you head for the airport for your afternoon flight home. We are confident you will take to the skies looking back on a rich and fulfilling visit to some timeless cities, and areas of stunning natural beauty.

Your holiday includes

Exclusive travel documentation portfolio including personalised maps, itinerary and driver directions along with all applicable tickets and vouchers

Travel Insurance

This is essential and not included. Should you need to purchase cover, we offer comprehensive cover at an additional cost. Please contact us for details.

Additional Experiences

Our holidays are completely tailored to suit you. We would be happy to help you choose from a vast array of additional experiences that will enhance your North America holiday adventure.

These might include:

City tours

Helicopter flights

Sporting event tickets

Golf

Hiking

Rafting

Horseback riding

Restaurant reservations

There are many more, often quite unique to your chosen destination so please do ask.

Personalised Documentation

We prepare every travel pack individually. We want this to be the perfect travelling companion for your adventure and to offer you all the information you need. Your personally prepared ring-bound travel itinerary booklet is detailed and is designed to serve as a wonderful reminder of your experiences for years to come when you return.

Georgia, The Carolina’s & The Great Smoky Mountains

PRICES FROM £2499

Enjoy a rich music theme as you start out in Atlanta and Macon before you really start to immerse yourself in old style Southern America charm with visits to Savannah and Charleston before heading into the Great Smoky Mountains.

Wondorous West Virginia

PRICES FROM £2696

Just an hour’s drive from the political heartbeat of Washington, you will find those country roads weaving through mountain backdrops laced with waterfalls, rivers and streams, hidden caverns, covered bridges and more.

In most circumstances, no visa is required for travel to the USA for any British Citizen passport holder and many other European passport holders, whose countries qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This program permits entry for up to 90 days for business or leisure purposes. Everyone must apply to use the VWP via the online Electronic System of Travel Authorization (ESTA). Advice states this should be done online at least 72 hours prior to departure. On payment of the $14 fee this system usually issues an electronic confirmation within minutes but this is not guaranteed and there are certain criteria travellers must consider before applying via ESTA to use the Visa Waiver Program. Once granted the VWP authorization is valid for 2 years.

It is essential that everyone who plans to travel to the United States reads the information contained on the following page – Visa Waiver Program

Please note : From 21st January 2016 The United States implemented changes to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) as part of the Terrorist Travel Protection Act of 2015. One of the major changes implemented in January excludes any British National who has travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen since March 01st 2011 from using the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Full details are contained on the above link but those affected will need to apply for a Visitor Visa with the U.S. Embassy before booking their travel arrangements.

You are advised to complete your ESTA prior to confirming any travel arrangements.

Complete North America Limited cannot be held responsible for cancellation charges incurred by travellers who have booked travel and are subsequently unable to travel as part of the VWP or who are unable to obtain a Visitor Visa. If you have any questions after reading the information supplied above please speak to a member of our team.

Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?

British Nationals and travellers from other European countries can enjoy visa-exempt travel to and via Canada but must first use the online Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) at a cost of CA$7.00 per person. Most online applications are approved with minutes by email but the process can take longer particularly if supporting documentation is requested. An eTA is valid for 5 years and allows you to travel for up to 6 months on any one visit.

You are advised to apply for your eTA prior to confirming any travel arrangements.

Complete North America Limited cannot be held responsible for cancellation charges incurred by travellers who have booked travel and are subsequently unable to travel as part of the eTA scheme or who are unable to obtain a Visitor Visa. If you have any questions after reading the information supplied above please speak to a member of our team.

Our holidays are too personalised and hand-crafted to book online. Please call during our office hours or provide us with some information below and we will get right on it so we can help you discover your next adventure.

1. DEPARTURE DATE

2. Duration

3 - 7 nights

3-7

3. TRAVEL PLANS

4. WHAT IS YOUR APPROXIMATE BUDGETED TOTAL HOLIDAY COST

< £5,000

<5k

£5,000 - £10,000

5-10k

£10,000 - £15,000

10-15k

£15,000 +

15k+

5. YOUR PERSONAL DETAILS

6. How did you find us?

*Required

Just returned from a Deep South Holiday with your company and all the travel arrangements were excellent and all the hotels were first class.This is the second time we have used your company for an holiday and we would have no problems using you again

Robinson Party (Deep South) -

We did the “Deep South” trip that included Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana and had a wonderful time. All the hotels were fine, but the Monmouth Plantation in Natchez was exceptional both for comfort and service. Make sure you stay there if in Natchez. Good night life particularly in Nashville and New Orleans.

Groves Party (Deep South) -

Thanks for your help in planning our recent holiday in the Deep South. We particularly enjoyed the CNN HQ, the Civil Rights museum, the tour of Graceland, the Hall of Fame in Nashville the great musical city of New Orleans and so much more…

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Package holidays are sold by Complete North America as an agent for Hays Tour Operating Ltd, ATOL 10531.
We are a Member of ABTA (Y4470) which means you have the benefit of ABTA’s assistance and Code of Conduct. Please see our booking conditions and privacy policy for more information. Registered in England No. 3817735. Registered Office: Colwick Quays Business Park, Private Road No.2, Colwick, Nottingham, NG4 2JY, United Kingdom.